In this era of globalization the importance of protecting Intellectual Property Rights(I.P.R) is increasing every day. So is the case of I.P.R. studies. Without sufficient research and background support we cannot progress much at the international level. In these circumstances, establishing I.P.R centres in our country is quite relevant. The I.P.R Centre in the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is moving in tune with the nation’s need. The main objective of the I.P.R Centre is the promotion of studies and research in the field of I.P.R. and related activities.
Authorities considered CUSAT for establishing a Depository of Intellectual Property Rights with the help of grants from the Ministry of Human Resource Development and a grant of Rs.11.5 lakh was released for the preliminary work i.e., developing infrastructure facilities and purchasing books and I.T. equipment to support research and studies. It is believed that the reference material is only one mouse click away from one’s computer in this age of Internet But it is a fact that the latest material for studies and research in the field of I.P.R. is not readily available online at present. To overcome this hurdle, the Centre has purchased important reference material based on I.P.R from various parts of the world and subscribed to many prestigious journals on the subject.
The I.P.R. Study centre in CUSAT also seeks to develop a core group of LP.R professionals. Considering this, the Ministry of Human Resource Development recently sanctioned Rs 20 lakh to the Centre. Now the Cntre is trying to develop its infrastructure base to continue giving research support to the authorities in I.P.R. As many of the Indian laws are under amendment, the scholars need to keep track of the changes and critically examine their impact on economic growth. Studies at this Centre will enable the policy makers and judiciary in taking decisions.
It also aims at supplementing the Depository system. With these facilities, the centre is expected to support the Ministry of Human Resource Developments on policy matters and to bring out research studies in key areas. It also seeks to develop the Centre as a research backing institution for the Government on I.P.R issues. At present, the Centre is involved in selecting important I.P.R. issues to develop them into concerned research studies. With the help of these studies, the Centre advises appropriate changes regarding I.P.R.
Along with other supports in I.P.R., the school of legal studies received two scholarships for LLM and one scholarship for Ph.D. in I.P.R-related subjects. The subject of present Ph.D. research is based on the protection of performer’s rights with a special mention to the film industry. A study on various aspects of intellectual property rights in the ayurvedic industry is also being conducted. Another important study refers to the copyright issue and its significance in case of departmental cultural institutions. In continuation of that study, a national seminar was organized by the Department of Culture at the National Museum, New Delhi to discuss further steps in tune with the recommendations of the study. It also suggested some ways to generate revenue for the departmental organizations, using the provisions of copyright law. At present, the students are engaged in the preparation of material on I.P.R for the National Police Academy, Hyderabad. The work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development makes enquiries at this Centre about the important I.P.R-related issues for which the Centre conducts research studies and supports the Ministry.It is also providing research backup concerning the legislation in the area of I.P.R. After contributing to the amendment of Copyright Act in 1999, the Centre is now assisting in the drafting of further amendments to it for the digital age.
Recently the Departments of Commerce and Industry also approached the Centre for research support.
This will be a great help to the small and medium scale organizations and individual researchers while seeking guidance from the Centre regarding I.P.R. and patent issues. It has also proposed to develop a state of the art Centre, which will be capable of dealing with all the queries from the people regarding I.P.R and give suitable guidance in future.
By M. Smithy - 8th July, 2002
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